An article on the effects of lockdown on teenagers

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has dramatically altered the structure of our everyday lives with orders of social distancing, curfews, lockdowns, and more… and this maybe our new normal for a while to come. Life is being constrained with a constriction of daily routines and contraction of social interactions, freedom of movement and space. There is evidence from research suggesting that teenagers in particular are struggling with the coronavirus crisis as a result of social distancing measures and compulsory lockdown to control the spread of the disease. Even brief periods of social isolation (like temporary quarantine) carries a number of health risks for teenagers and young adults like impaired functional skills, difficulty to focus, remember information, manage emotions and follow directions along with lowered immunity, poor sleep and depressive symptoms. Reports show lowest levels of life satisfaction, loneliness due to social isolation and anxiety about the future.

Teenagers have found it hard to adapt because of having to constantly spend time indoors, without being able to go to school or spend time outdoors with their friends. After two to three months of isolation with parents and siblings, teenagers feel bored and uncharacteristically irritable. Some days they feel highly motivated like they have all the time in the world and on other days, they think life during this time is meaningless as they are still stuck inside. The combination of being constantly with family and separation from friends has left many young people feeling like they are living inside a pressure cooker. The use of internet for education and social media for interaction and entertainment has increased and screen time has skyrocketed as we know.

On the contrary, some teenagers have used the lockdown period to challenge themselves and support their family. They have come to appreciate their friendships/ relationships and enjoy extra bonding time with their family while helping at home with daily tasks. The cocktail of constraints and boredom has become a trigger for innovation. Some teenagers have found alternate ways to stay connected with their friends like playing games or watching movies together online, talking over the phone and texting via social media. Staying connected in some way helps in staying mentally as well as physically healthy during the period of isolation.

‘Salutogenesis’ is a reward that comes from coping with stress and becoming more self- sufficient by pursuing passions and hobbies which ultimately leads to a sense of accomplishment at the end of lockdown.